Over the past few years, “The Cloud” has become a household name, with many people trusting cloud services to keep their photos, videos, and documents safe. However, saving a family photo seems trivial in comparison to storing sensitive business data through a third-party cloud provider.

While some firms are still skeptical about moving their servers, applications, and files to the cloud, many firms have embraced the transition. Regardless of your position, it is important to understand the pros and cons of cloud and whether a cloud service is right for your firm.

Pros

Cybersecurity

Data breaches are a legitimate threat, and some firms believe an on-site server is more secure than cloud. However, many cloud service providers typically deliver a higher level of security than in-house IT teams. Cloud service providers have deep cybersecurity expertise and employ added layers of protection including enterprise-level data encryption, strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), firewalls, backups, 24x7 monitoring, and more.

While security features are an essential first line of defense, cybersecurity education is just as crucial. According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of breaches occur through human error. To address the human element, a reputable cloud provider will offer regular cybersecurity training to your staff.

Capital Cost Reduction

IT infrastructure is expensive, constantly depreciates in value, and needs to be replaced every few years. On-premise servers are costly because of the need for ongoing system maintenance, hardware replacement, and energy budgeting. Cloud services allow businesses to pay a subscription fee for cloud access and eliminate the need for excess hardware. As your firm scales, your cloud provider will scale with you, keeping costs consistent in relation to your firm’s size.

Productivity

Cloud allows your firm to access files, applications, and tools from anywhere, anytime, using any internet-connected device. Desktop as a Service (DaaS), enables businesses to stream their desktops directly from the cloud and utilize any application they already use. With the rise of hybrid office spaces, this ease of access means firms increase their flexibility and maintain their security regardless of an employee’s location. Working from home, at the office, or on the go becomes a seamless, productive experience from any device.

Cons

Internet Connectivity

Even though cloud makes application and data access possible from anywhere at any time, an internet connection is still required. Accessing your files may be difficult if your business travels take you through dead zones or areas of spotty coverage. However, your files can be preemptively downloaded from the cloud to a local device, negating the need for constant internet service.

Lengthy Contracts

Unfortunately, in professional services, some vendors may not have their customers’ best interests at heart. Long term contracts or exorbitant cancellation fees could result in vendor lock-in, where a firm feels as though leaving the service would result in a greater loss than continuing to be dissatisfied. A lengthy, auto-renewing contract with hidden fees and overly complex cancellation policies is a huge red flag.

At Tabush Group, we do not rely on lengthy contracts and instead focus on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with our business partners.

Security Concerns

Although cybersecurity is on the “pros” list, partnering with the wrong cloud provider may put you and your clients’ data in jeopardy. In addition to data loss, a security breach can cause financial, operational, and reputational harm. Improper cybersecurity is not only detrimental to your business, but also your peace of mind. Understanding a cloud provider’s security standards will allow your firm to make an educated decision on a partnership.

Learn More

Don’t settle for less. Boxtop is Tabush Group’s all-in-one cloud solution and remote desktop service. All of your applications and data live in the same cloud, making them seamlessly accessible from any secured device, at any time. With fully redundant systems that are monitored 24x7x365, you can always trust that your data is safe with Boxtop. Contact us to learn more.